Review: The Inner Bailey Viking Sword Baldric
Mar 11, 2012 2:26:33 GMT
Post by Odingaard on Mar 11, 2012 2:26:33 GMT
There is not really an applicable review template for belts, baldrics, armor, and such - so I will just wing it:
The Inner Bailey Viking Sword Baldric
An impromptu product review by Jonathan "Odingaard" Sarge
Introduction
In short, I needed a baldric for my new Odinblade Steerboard. Now, as many of you know, I do alot of leatherwork myself. Common sense would dictate that I make something myself, even moreso when talking about something as simple as a baldric. I sought out a baldric mainly because I did not have the components on hand to make my own the way I wanted it (brass sheeting, copper, buckles, tips, etc...) and to be honest, I like to support the industry every now and then
Given the options of having a belt or a baldric crafted, I had to go with a baldric. The 38.5" blade on my Odinblade is too long for my leg length to wear it around and not have the chape drag the ground. The baldric prevents this. Next, I like my sword hilt to ride high, a bit higher than with a standard belt. Also, I like a subtle taste of Viking flavor in my Crusader kit, as my re-enactment/faire/con persona is that of a Northern European warrior in the later Crusades. It only makes sense that at some point in history, someone would see the common sense to put a long Type XIIA into a baldric - though this is not historically typical.
Historical Overview
Baldrics are sort of a funny thing historically. Countless cultures in cultural antiquity used them, including the Greeks, Romans, and Spartans. In the middle ages, the Vikings, Normans, and Franks used them early on. However, the baldric seems to have fallen out of favor during the Crusades and was not seen popular again for several hundred years. Then, from the 16th century onward, it was used yet again.
An elaborate Roman baldric.
The word, baldric, comes from the 14th century Old French word which means shoulder-belt. Though baldrics did fall in and out of favor, there was always a such thing as a baldric in use by various cultures throughout history. It was a pragmatic way to carry a sword, as the scabbard can become cumbersome in combat. With a baldric, it can be quickly removed or in at least in a couple documented cases, used for parrying.
A buckled side sword baldric from the 1700s.
Baldrics in the Crusades? It was far from being a typical way of carry after 1100. But, a wayward warrior from Northern Europe would be familiar with the use of a baldric, as they were still being used in his homeland.
Ordering
Stock photos from the Inner Bailey website.
After doing some looking around, I contacted The Inner Bailey about commissioning a Viking Baldric. I really liked the metal work and design selections. The baldric itself is not actually a documented historical Viking design (such as what would be worn under a strap bridge), but it certinaly is a Viking-themed piece, which was what I was looking for.
After exchanging a few emails with details and measurements with Susan, I got a quote for the baldric and an estimated manufacture time of two weeks. Sure enough, two weeks later - the baldric showed up after this ego-boosting email:
Unto the Lord Jonathan Sarge, Warm Greetings and Glad Tidings!
Our village's blue-liveried messenger has been furnished a hot meal, a fresh mount, and bade Godspeed on his journey to your Shire. With hard riding and barring misadventure, your parcel shall arrive 2 to 3 days hence.
Wow. In the future, all emails to me should read as such. :lol:
The package arrived 2 days after the email. The baldric was well-padded with brown paper, with all metal work wrapped in tissue paper for protection from scratches.
Construction
The baldric is made from thick, yet supple harness grade leather. I am guessing that it's 9-11oz, which is a bit thicker than a belt from GDFB or Museum Replicas. Both sides of the leather are black finished, with the smooth side out. The belt has been treated with leather finish in order to preserve the color and prevent the color from rubbing off on your clothing.
The buckles, tip, and other metal work are brass secured with copper rivets and stamped with hand-wrought geometric designs.
The sword is secured to the baldric via two frog straps which are affixed with eylets for the strap ends. The frog straps lace up on the rear side of the scabbard using leather latigo. The overall appearance of the package is nice, clean, and professional.
One of the things I really like about this baldric is that the brass and copper fittings will age and patina over time. Once the bronze begins to show through the bluing on my Steerboard, the whole package will have a very dynamic, timeless look to it.
Usage
Use of the baldric is very simple. Lace the first frog at the PoB of the sword in it's scabbard. Lace the second one below that a couple inches. The sword will hang at a 45 degree angle. If you put the frogs closer together, the sword will hang at a higher angle with the tip more toward the ground. If you put the frogs further apart, the sword will hang more toward being horizontal. Get it?
This baldric is very comfortable to wear, despite it's thinner width. The weight of the sword is distributed well enough for all-day wear.
The Bottom Line
I've owned many, many baldrics over the years. I've worn products from Museum Replicas, Hanwei, Darkwood Realms, and others on countless campaigns for infinate hours across various WMA events, Renaissance faires, re-enactments, and Dragon*Con. This product from The Inner Bailey is one of the best I have ever owned, and I am happy to have done business with them.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a leather product, I can confidently recommend The Inner Bailey for your needs. They make a great quality product and a decent price and have excellent customer service.
Odingaard out...
The Inner Bailey Viking Sword Baldric
An impromptu product review by Jonathan "Odingaard" Sarge
Introduction
In short, I needed a baldric for my new Odinblade Steerboard. Now, as many of you know, I do alot of leatherwork myself. Common sense would dictate that I make something myself, even moreso when talking about something as simple as a baldric. I sought out a baldric mainly because I did not have the components on hand to make my own the way I wanted it (brass sheeting, copper, buckles, tips, etc...) and to be honest, I like to support the industry every now and then
Given the options of having a belt or a baldric crafted, I had to go with a baldric. The 38.5" blade on my Odinblade is too long for my leg length to wear it around and not have the chape drag the ground. The baldric prevents this. Next, I like my sword hilt to ride high, a bit higher than with a standard belt. Also, I like a subtle taste of Viking flavor in my Crusader kit, as my re-enactment/faire/con persona is that of a Northern European warrior in the later Crusades. It only makes sense that at some point in history, someone would see the common sense to put a long Type XIIA into a baldric - though this is not historically typical.
Historical Overview
Baldrics are sort of a funny thing historically. Countless cultures in cultural antiquity used them, including the Greeks, Romans, and Spartans. In the middle ages, the Vikings, Normans, and Franks used them early on. However, the baldric seems to have fallen out of favor during the Crusades and was not seen popular again for several hundred years. Then, from the 16th century onward, it was used yet again.
An elaborate Roman baldric.
The word, baldric, comes from the 14th century Old French word which means shoulder-belt. Though baldrics did fall in and out of favor, there was always a such thing as a baldric in use by various cultures throughout history. It was a pragmatic way to carry a sword, as the scabbard can become cumbersome in combat. With a baldric, it can be quickly removed or in at least in a couple documented cases, used for parrying.
A buckled side sword baldric from the 1700s.
Baldrics in the Crusades? It was far from being a typical way of carry after 1100. But, a wayward warrior from Northern Europe would be familiar with the use of a baldric, as they were still being used in his homeland.
Ordering
Stock photos from the Inner Bailey website.
After doing some looking around, I contacted The Inner Bailey about commissioning a Viking Baldric. I really liked the metal work and design selections. The baldric itself is not actually a documented historical Viking design (such as what would be worn under a strap bridge), but it certinaly is a Viking-themed piece, which was what I was looking for.
After exchanging a few emails with details and measurements with Susan, I got a quote for the baldric and an estimated manufacture time of two weeks. Sure enough, two weeks later - the baldric showed up after this ego-boosting email:
Unto the Lord Jonathan Sarge, Warm Greetings and Glad Tidings!
Our village's blue-liveried messenger has been furnished a hot meal, a fresh mount, and bade Godspeed on his journey to your Shire. With hard riding and barring misadventure, your parcel shall arrive 2 to 3 days hence.
Wow. In the future, all emails to me should read as such. :lol:
The package arrived 2 days after the email. The baldric was well-padded with brown paper, with all metal work wrapped in tissue paper for protection from scratches.
Construction
The baldric is made from thick, yet supple harness grade leather. I am guessing that it's 9-11oz, which is a bit thicker than a belt from GDFB or Museum Replicas. Both sides of the leather are black finished, with the smooth side out. The belt has been treated with leather finish in order to preserve the color and prevent the color from rubbing off on your clothing.
The buckles, tip, and other metal work are brass secured with copper rivets and stamped with hand-wrought geometric designs.
The sword is secured to the baldric via two frog straps which are affixed with eylets for the strap ends. The frog straps lace up on the rear side of the scabbard using leather latigo. The overall appearance of the package is nice, clean, and professional.
One of the things I really like about this baldric is that the brass and copper fittings will age and patina over time. Once the bronze begins to show through the bluing on my Steerboard, the whole package will have a very dynamic, timeless look to it.
Usage
Use of the baldric is very simple. Lace the first frog at the PoB of the sword in it's scabbard. Lace the second one below that a couple inches. The sword will hang at a 45 degree angle. If you put the frogs closer together, the sword will hang at a higher angle with the tip more toward the ground. If you put the frogs further apart, the sword will hang more toward being horizontal. Get it?
This baldric is very comfortable to wear, despite it's thinner width. The weight of the sword is distributed well enough for all-day wear.
The Bottom Line
I've owned many, many baldrics over the years. I've worn products from Museum Replicas, Hanwei, Darkwood Realms, and others on countless campaigns for infinate hours across various WMA events, Renaissance faires, re-enactments, and Dragon*Con. This product from The Inner Bailey is one of the best I have ever owned, and I am happy to have done business with them.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a leather product, I can confidently recommend The Inner Bailey for your needs. They make a great quality product and a decent price and have excellent customer service.
Odingaard out...
